North Carolina A&T's legacy is overshadowed by its powerful STEM impact

In the United States on December 6, 2024, Comcast made a significant announcement regarding a project that highlights the history and influence of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, also known as North Carolina A&T. The feature-length documentary titled 'Our Blues Make Us Gold' was produced by filmmakers Brandon Gerard and Ashley Shanté. It particularly focuses on North Carolina A&T's reputation as the largest historically Black university in the country and emphasizes its dual role as a major institution providing STEM education while also having deep agricultural roots. Loren Hudson, the Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Comcast, expressed pride in collaborating with the talented filmmakers to present the documentary on their Black Experience platform. This initiative is part of Comcast's ongoing commitment to showcase diverse stories and talents within the Black community. The documentary is available for free as part of the Black Experience on Xfinity and Xumo Play, which underscores Comcast's aim to provide comprehensive content that reflects Black culture and contributions. Throughout the film, viewers are presented with personal narratives from alumni and current students, who articulate the university's legacy and its potential future. The filmmakers expressed their determination to bring such stories to a broader audience, especially given the challenges they faced in gaining support for the documentary project. Ashley shared her own experiences of disappointment in the industry, which fueled their mission to change perceptions surrounding historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Brandon emphasized the importance of the film's narrative while drawing parallels to storytelling traditions, likening it to sharing stories around a campfire. By shedding light on the achievements of North Carolina A&T and its alumni, the documentary aims not only to inform but also to inspire action toward preserving important educational institutions. Comcast continues to highlight its dedication to content that empowers marginalized voices and contributes positively to the community's representation in media.